When someone asks why art is essential or important, you might struggle to explain it. It’s not just about pretty pictures or sculptures; art is a powerful need that improves our lives and makes the world better.
Some people see art as a drain on resources that could be used for more important things. They say: “What’s the point of art?”, “Why spend time and money on art?” and “art isn’t a real job.” They may say “it’s not like air or food where it hurts or kills you to go without it.”
How do you handle the dismissal of art? How can we stand up to naysayers and feel that what we do is meaningful?
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Why Art is Essential: Art Is Our Shared History
Art has been with us since the dawn of human existence. From the earliest cave paintings to the masterpieces hanging in museums today, art is how we’ve documented our lives, expressed our beliefs, and passed down stories through generations.
The ancient Lascaux cave paintings in France, created over 17,000 years ago, are more than just depictions of animals. They provide a window into the lives, thoughts, and experiences of early humans. These images are not just art—they are records of a culture, telling us what was important to our ancestors, how they viewed the world, and what they valued. This art is essential to understanding our ancestors. Without these artistic expressions, our understanding of prehistoric life would be far more limited.
As civilizations evolved, so did their art. The Renaissance period, for example, was a time when art flourished as a means of exploring humanity, religion, and the natural world. Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling are not only remarkable for their technical skill but also for the way they encapsulate the intellectual and spiritual currents of their time.
These works reflect a society that was rediscovering classical ideas, questioning the nature of humanity, and celebrating the beauty of the human form. They are more than just paintings—they are symbols of an era that continues to influence us today.
Throughout history, art has served as a mirror, reflecting the values, struggles, and triumphs of the people who created it. Whether it’s the monumental sculptures of Ancient Greece, the religious icons of the Byzantine Empire, or the protest art of the 20th century, each piece tells a story.
When we study art history, we are not just learning about art; we are learning about ourselves, our collective past, and the forces that have shaped our world. Art keeps our history alive, reminding us of where we’ve come from and helping us to understand who we are today. Without art, the richness of human history would be lost, and our connection to our ancestors would be much weaker.
Personally, I think this feeling of lost humanity has influenced a fear of computer generated art and AI art. AI’s influence on the art community is controversial, but fascinating regardless.
Why Art is Essential: Art Connects People
One of the most powerful aspects of art is its ability to connect people, regardless of language, culture, or time period. Art speaks a universal language that everyone can understand on some level, even if they don’t share the same background or experiences. Art is essential as a universal communicator.
For instance, consider how people from all over the world are drawn to the works of Vincent van Gogh. His vibrant colors and emotional brushstrokes communicate feelings of loneliness, joy, and wonder that are universally relatable. You don’t need to know anything about his life to feel something when you look at Starry Night or Sunflowers.
Similarly, Katsushika Hokusai’s The Great Wave off Kanagawa has become an iconic image recognized around the globe. Even though it was created in Japan during the early 19th century, its bold lines and dynamic composition capture the powerful force of nature in a way that speaks to people everywhere.
Print by Hokusai. Both works of art show the immense feeling of man vs. nature which connects all humans.
The wave, poised to crash down with unstoppable energy, evokes both awe and respect, reminding us of the universal human experience of facing forces beyond our control.
I made this painting using gouache paint on paper. Check out more of my art by looking at my Portfolio.
Why Art is Essential: Art Is Good for Your Mind and Soul
Art plays a crucial role in our mental and emotional well-being. It’s not just something to look at or listen to—it has a deep impact on how we think, feel, and live our lives.
Engaging with art can reduce stress, boost creativity, and improve our overall mood. When you draw, paint, or write, you’re not just creating something new; you’re also processing your thoughts and emotions in a healthy way. This is why art therapy is often used to help people deal with trauma, anxiety, and depression.
Even if you’re not creating art, simply surrounding yourself with it can have a profound effect on your well-being. Think about how you feel when you listen to your favorite song or watch a movie that really moves you. Art has the power to transport us to another world, offering a temporary escape from everyday worries.
Art has the power to inspire us, giving us new ideas and perspectives that we might not have ever considered. This is why so many people find comfort and joy in visiting art galleries, reading books, or watching films. Art is essential because it enriches our lives by making us more mindful, empathetic, and imaginative.
If you are new to art, I suggest you take a look at these articles: 5 Easy Drawings Tips, How to Create an Artist Statement, and Easy Color Theory for Beginners.
Why Art is Essential: Art Enhances Our Surroundings
Art isn’t just something to be admired in a museum—it’s all around us, enhancing our surroundings and making our environments more enjoyable. Public art, architecture, and design can transform ordinary spaces into places of beauty and inspiration.
Take the Eiffel Tower, for example. It’s not just a structure; it’s a symbol of Paris, a work of art that has inspired countless artists, photographers, and dreamers. Or think about the colorful murals you might see in your city. These pieces of street art don’t just brighten up a wall; they add character to a neighborhood, tell a story, or make a statement. Street art decorating your community shows that art is essential to beautifying spaces.
Good design in everyday objects—whether it’s a well-crafted chair, a beautifully illustrated book, or an innovative smartphone—also reflects the importance of art in our lives.
When art and design are integrated into the things we use and see every day, it elevates our experiences, making life not just functional, but also beautiful. It reminds us that art isn’t something separate from life; it’s a part of it, enriching our daily routines and surroundings in ways we might not always notice, but would surely miss if it were gone.
Why Art is Essential: Art Drives Social Change
Throughout history, art has been a powerful force for social change, challenging the status quo and inspiring people to think differently about the world.
Artists have always been at the forefront of movements for justice, equality, and freedom, using their work to highlight societal issues and provoke action. The Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s is a perfect example of this. This cultural movement was not just about creating beautiful works of art; it was about redefining African American identity, celebrating Black culture, and challenging the racist stereotypes that had dominated American society for centuries.
Through the poetry of Langston Hughes, the novels of Zora Neale Hurston, the paintings of Aaron Douglas, and the prints of Norman Lewis, the Harlem Renaissance gave voice to a community that had been marginalized and oppressed. These artists used their creativity to assert their humanity and demand recognition, laying the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement that would follow.
Art is essential to reaching people on an emotional level, making it a powerful tool for advocacy and activism. Picasso’s Guernica, for example, is one of the most famous anti-war paintings in history. Created in response to the bombing of the Spanish town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War, the painting’s chaotic composition and haunting imagery convey the horror and suffering caused by war.
Guernica is more than just a depiction of a historical event—it’s a universal condemnation of the violence and destruction that war brings. The painting has been displayed around the world, serving as a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict and the need for peace.
In more recent times, artists like Banksy have used street art to critique contemporary issues such as consumerism, government surveillance, and environmental destruction. Banksy’s work is often provocative, using humor and irony to make serious points about the state of the world.
By placing his art in public spaces, Banksy ensures that it reaches a wide audience, sparking conversations and encouraging people to think critically about the issues he addresses.
This kind of art isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about challenging people to question their assumptions and consider new perspectives. Whether it’s through paintings, music, literature, or performance, art inspires change, making it an essential tool for building a better, more just society.
How to Bring Art into your Daily Life
You don’t have to be an artist or visit a museum to experience the benefits of art. There are many simple ways to bring more art into your daily life, helping you stay inspired and connected.
Start by surrounding yourself with art that speaks to you. This could be anything from posters of your favorite paintings, to playlists filled with music that makes you feel something, to books that transport you to another world. The key is to choose art that resonates with you personally.
You can also make a habit of engaging with art in more active ways. Try visiting local galleries, attending live performances, or exploring public art in your community. You might discover something new that sparks your interest.
I try my best to incorporate art into my every day lifestyle, from bullet journaling to thrifting art supplies to data visualization. Follow me on social media to enjoy galleries, painting and photography tips, and behind the scenes of some of my favorite creations.
Also, don’t be afraid to create your own art, even if you don’t consider yourself particularly talented. The act of creating—whether it’s drawing, writing, dancing, or playing an instrument—can be incredibly fulfilling. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about expressing yourself, recording a feeling or a thought, and finding joy in the process.
Conclusion: Art Is Not a Luxury, but a Necessity
Art is much more than just a luxury—art is essential to being human. It connects us to our history, brings people together, nourishes our minds and souls, enhances our surroundings, and drives social change.
By recognizing the importance of art and making it a part of our daily lives, we can enrich ourselves and contribute to a world that values creativity, empathy, and beauty. Whether through painting, music, literature, or performance, art helps us understand the world and imagine new possibilities. And in a world that often feels divided and uncertain, that’s something we all need.
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